The following are from Malaysia Brunei & Singapore Banknote & Coins 8th Edition by KN Boon about the history of Straits Settlement banknote.
All this token function like a coin before a centralized banking system is established. Sort like the token issue within a blockchain.
A Bodega is a wine shop or place where wines direct from the barrel can be bought by the glass and are usually accompanied by a free snack of cheese and biscuits and a perusal of the local newspapers if desired.
The Bodega Penang formerly was part of the premises of Messr's Gosling and Company, which abutted on Union Street and Logans Building Square. It was opened on 15th July 1892 by the company of Gosling & Co but changed hand on 2nd Nov 1898 to the control of Mrs. Collins.
For some years the concern proved profitable, but with the arrival of new hotels and restaurants, it was subsequently closed. These tokens were issued at the end of the 19th century.